See Also:

Midges are tiny swarming insects that occur across large portions
of the globe. However, the particular sub-species of the midge that is found in
Scotland is known as the Highland Midge, or "Culicoides Impunctatus": and it
has a reputation for being more ferocious than most.

To find out the full story of the midge, you need to get hold of a
copy of George Hendry's remarkable bestseller, "Midges in Scotland", which you
can purchase via the bookshop section at the foot of this page. It is also
possible to consult an online
midge
forecast divided by area for up to a week ahead.

Midges occur more in the north and west of Scotland than in the
south or the east. They especially like wet and uncultivated land, something
that parts of Scotland have in super-abundance.

It is the female midge that bites. It can only lay its eggs after
it has had a blood meal; which is where you and I come in. Midges start to
become a problem in June and usually last through to August when their numbers
diminish rapidly, before they finally disappear with the first real frost of
autumn. The numbers of midges vary considerably from year to year, depending on
the severity of the preceding winter, the amount of spring rainfall, and the
temperature.

To avoid midges, it helps to know a little about their likes and
dislikes. They like the cool indirect light of dawn and dusk, and dislike
direct strong sunlight. They like damp conditions and dislike dry conditions.
And they like still air and dislike anything above a fairly gentle breeze. All
this tends to mean that midges are less common the middle of the day than in
the mornings and evenings; that they are rarer on exposed hills than in
sheltered valleys; and that the can be fond of woodland and forest areas.
Finally, it is worth knowing that midges prefer dark coloured clothing to
light.

It also helps to have an insect-repellant available. Most common
are a range of different brands containing varying concentrations of a chemical
called DEET (di-ethyl toluamide). Another chemical commonly used is DMP
(dimethyl phthalate). A more recent arrival on the scene has been a product
called "Smidge", which uses Saltidin as its active ingredient and seems very
effective. Other alternatives are available using citronella and eucalyptus
oils. Some also swear by the midge-repellant effects of Avon's Skin So Soft
Body Oil. And you will also find netting midge hoods on sale in many outlets
across the Highlands and Islands.

It is worth keeping midges in perspective. They've been a part of
life in the Highlands for centuries, and are only likely to depart if the
climate changes so much that the country itself becomes a radically different
place. And it's the country you come to the Highlands to see. Also bear in mind
that the midges serve a useful purpose in controlling the role and impact of
man in Scotland. Without them Scotland would be a different and a lesser
place...